by Adam Kronberger / Superintendent
What if God designed marriage to make us holy more than to make us happy? This rhetorical question is the foundation of Gary Thomas’ book “Sacred Marriage”. After 18 years of marriage, I can certainly validate uncountable moments of happiness. But to Gary Thomas’ point, the fruit of marriage is costly and requires teamwork, sacrifice, and growth in holiness from both individuals and it is certainly worth it. Though if had I been the author of marriage, I would have made the experience require much less change from each individual, especially me. But fortunately I am not God, and his plan for marriage has infinite opportunity for transformation in each other’s lives. Another marriage has existed between Church on the Hill and Crosshill Christian School for the past 25 years. This relationship has also experienced many moments of happiness, and has required constant teamwork, sacrifice, and growth. At times, it might have seemed easier for the two ministries to no longer work together but focus on their missions individually. Yet, what if God designed Church on the Hill and Crosshill Christian School to function together on two campuses to make disciples together? This question is hardly rhetorical. Twenty-five years of discipleship training combined as we continually seek God’s will continues to confirm God’s amazing plan for Christian schooling on our campuses. What might appear on the surface to many as crazy, God has developed to be strategic. And just like marriage, in order to successfully bring two different identities together, transformation must constantly happen. In short, the church body is better for having a school, and the school community is better for being supported by a church. It seems each week we rejoice in the good work God is doing through the communities of both church and school. And with over 65 churches represented in the CCS student body, the team and transformation is diverse and strong. God invented education when in Genesis 1:28 he instructed mankind to subdue the earth and have dominion over it. For centuries, the church was at the center of passing down the truth of God’s creation from one generation to another through education. The partnership of Church on the Hill and Crosshill Christian School continues this rich tradition to guide disciples to no longer be conformed to the patterns of this world but but be transformed by the renewing of their minds (Romans 12:2). Both Church on the Hill and Crosshill Christian School continue to update facilities on both campuses, and currently are in the middle of expanding the south campus. The motivation behind these decisions come from fulfilling our responsibility to build God’s Kingdom, to this generation and generations behind us. Lead Pastor Bruce Stefanik, Executive Pastor Jason Treadwell, and I spoke at a recent church service detailing the history of the church and school and the current vision for the future. This presentation can be found online at: tinyURL.com/CCSDeepandWide – Adam Kronberger / Superintendent by Adam Kronberger / Superintendent
During my college years, I spent much of my free time at the Dixon Recreation Center on campus playing basketball, lifting weights, and sitting in the hot tub. One evening, the boys on my floor headed over to the the rec center and saw a new room outfitted with ping pong tables. We all decided to do a short competitive tournament. Looking back now, I realize that most of us were terrible ping pong players, but we each thought we were pretty hot stuff, especially me. After making it through the first couple of rounds, I faced up against a fellow floormate Sasa Petrovic, who was on the Beaver basketball team and happened to be 6’8”. I had not seen him play yet and prepared myself for another victory. I will never forget what Sasa said after a minute of volleying: “Are you for real?” I realized in short order his remark was not a compliment, but sheer surprise out how bad I was at ping pong. I don’t think I scored a point against him. Humbling experiences like that are necessary training for growth and maturity. I realized I was terrible at ping pong. But how? It wasn’t for a lack of trying. When the opportunities to play had been made available, I was not flippant or lazy, but entirely focused. I reflected on other areas of my life that I had experienced success and failure and the answer became obvious. There is a clear difference between trying and training. While a few things might have come easy to me based upon my makeup, true success had been the result of a strategic investment of time and energy into a plan that was designed to produce success. Training is a habit that has spiritual application to all areas of our lives. The apostle Paul instructs “As you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). The call for obedience implies that there are commands, or a plan, to follow. God’s Word provides the knowledge and wisdom to allow the forgiveness of our salvation to produce good fruit in our lives. This training can absolutely take place in community with others, but of much more importance is the training that takes place in the home and in the heart. The fear and trembling Paul references speaks to the immeasurable honor and value it is to respond to the gift of grace with active training in obedience. While my ping pong play is still below average, time invested in training by studying the game and competing against “experts” has elevated my game. Still sometimes I wish I could have a professional be my constant guide and tutor. Paul continues, “for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure” (v. 13). As we strive to follow God’s instructions, He does not just throw us in the water letting us learn to swim or die. His very presence lives inside of us. When life’s opportunities and challenges come our way, God is with us, and much more when we train daily with Him. Listen to Paul and continue to daily receive God’s training from the inside out and experience “His good pleasure.” – Adam Kronberger / Superintendent by Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal
At the end of each day before I leave the school, I recount my top three positive moments. The majority of these moments involve students, so I leave each day wholeheartedly appreciative that God allows me to be a part of what He is doing in the lives of these precious children. Recently, I had the opportunity to teach Bible in one of our elementary classes, and became completely blessed by the unexpected level of pure joy and excitement brought about by studying God's word together. The enthusiasm was contagious as students clamored to share their understanding of the scriptures, and how the biblical principle applied to their lives. As I praised God for that wonderful experience I realized they are closer to becoming what Dr. Todd J. Williams describes as “integrated people”. Our driving ambition is to intentionally keep Christ and God's Word at the center of everything at Crosshill through the practice of Biblical Worldview Integration. Dr. Williams shares that “integration is much more than a concept or set of ideas we adhere to; it must be a characteristic and quality of our Christian schools, making integration so personal that we cannot help but become integrated people”. A key to God’s plan for developing integrated people is found in Deuteronomy 6:5-9, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates.” At the heart of integration is the realization that “God has something to say about every part of our lives and in turn, every part of our lives will have something to say about God”. The power, affection, and sufficiency of God must permeate every area for our students, not simply to counteract the brokenness of the world, but to bring about a wholeness that God intends for everyone to experience. Our children are purposed to become influencers, reflecting Christ to the world; therefore praise, worship, service, and godly thinking must become more than what they do, it has to become a part of who they are. In the classroom that afternoon I observed little modern-day versions of Mary, sitting at the feet of Jesus, and miniature versions of Paul, boldly preaching the Word. It was a glimpse into their lives that reflected a love and passion for God and His Word cultivated by a strongly committed community of integrated people. Contagious faith - it doesn’t get much better than this! – Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal by Adam Kronberger / Superintendent
This week in chapel, the entire Crosshill Christian school community was honored with a trophy for winning the 2016-2017 Oregonian Cup, outscoring all other 77 schools in the 1A division. According to the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA): “The Oregonian Cup began in 1999 as a way to recognize overall excellence by schools in academics, activities and athletics. The award honors a school's students, teachers, coaches and the entire school community. Schools earn points based on their participation and finish in OSAA State Championships and for Top 10 finishes in the OSAA Academic All-State Program, sponsored by the Dairy Farmers of Oregon. A sportsmanship component, whereby schools are awarded points each season for having no ejections, is included as well.” Students participating in Volleyball, Cross Country, Soccer, Basketball, Track & Field, Choir, and Band all contributed toward this cumulative recognition. Not only was performance on the playing field a factor, but achievement in the classroom by these student-athletes counted. The sportsmanship of the coaching staff, and the overall support from fans and parents also made a difference, making this accolade applicable to the entire school community. A handful of Christian leaders (Lauren Cunningham, Bill Bright, Francis Schaeffer) agreed that there exists seven spheres in which disciples can influence the world. In other words, there are seven categories in which Christians can know God, make God known, and bring glory to God. Those categories include: Family, Church, Education, Media, Celebration (Arts, Sports, etc.), Economy, and Government. In Genesis 1:28, God instructed all of mankind to “be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” As followers of Jesus, God gives each one of us general opportunities to engage in each of these seven categories, and often more specific opportunities in one or more of these categories. These opportunities may also develop and exist at different seasons throughout our lifetime. As these student-athletes practice knowing God, making Him known, and bringing glory to Him through sports and academics, they are developing an important lifestyle that can and should be mirrored in other spheres of their lives. Ultimately, they are practicing having dominion over God’s creation as He designed. It is certainly pleasing to be a part of a community receiving such excellent recognition. It is definitely thrilling to be in the stands cheering on young men and women successfully demonstrating skills they have developed over hours of training. And I can’t help but check out my reflection in the shiny Oregonian Cup trophy as it sits in our overflowing trophy case. But the trophy and all the distinctions that go along with it are not an end in itself. Rather, they are indicators of families of disciples choosing to know God, make God known, and bring Him glory in the spheres of family, education, and through celebrations. This Friday and Saturday we continue to choose to celebrate as the varsity volleyball team competes at the State Tournament in Redmond. Go Lady Eagles! – Adam Kronberger / Superintendent by Adam Kronberger / Superintendent
On a recent errand trip around town with my 4th grade son, he remarked how he wished Salem had less evergreen trees. He was greatly enjoying all of the autumn colors developing on the deciduous trees, and thought it would be great for there to be even more color. I reminded him that once all the autumn colors had fallen to the ground, the evergreen trees provide color for the next six months. He finally agreed that the Willamette Valley has a nice balance of color and tree diversity. After spending hours of time picking up leaves around my house later in the day, I began to think that perhaps we needed less deciduous trees. It seems that having more evergreen trees would only make my life easier, especially when it seems that “fall” goes into February before the last leaf finally hits the ground. I am grateful that man discovered the power of electricity and developed affordable leaf blowers. It is a common temptation to wish for circumstances that are more favorable toward our preferences or comfort. Each day can be a battle to walk according to the Spirit or according to the flesh. Discontentment is one of the manifestations of the flesh, while true contentment is the foundation for longer strides with the Lord. As the apostle Paul committed the second half of his life to serving God and furthering the gospel, he experienced the extremes of earthly happiness and tribulation. When he wrote “I have learned in whatever situation I am in to be content,” (Phil. 4:11), he became a role model for all of us as he experienced a full range of circumstances. He goes on to write, “I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.” (vs 12). The “secret” is simply choosing to trust God’s sovereignty in our lives with gratefulness. Jesus Christ has paid the price for our sins and is preparing an eternal home for those who put their trust in him. All the pleasures of this world are simply undeserved gifts, while the uncomfortable challenges of life point us back to the love and redemption provided by our Heavenly Father. As humans have explored and discovered God’s creation, we can now explain why leaves of certain trees change color and fall to the ground, while evergreen needles can last through the winter. But the quest to explain life itself, along with the beauty and order of all creation is fruitless without the existence of a powerful and mysterious God. In the same way, choosing contentment in the face of life’s hardships can often seem fruitless without the presence of a powerful and mysterious God. Paul’s “secret” is not a simple definition but a simple commitment to trust daily in a God who knows how to bring life to what is dead. He does it every spring. – Adam Kronberger / Superintendent by Adam Kronberger / Superintendent
My favorite non-religious holiday is the 4th of July. It always seems like the official start to summer and the beginning of consistent sunshine. Our neighborhood does a big block party in front of our house, complete with food, a kids parade, and of course fireworks purchased across the border. This past summer, one neighbor brought out an extremely large homemade set of Jenga blocks. Instead of small blocks you could hold in your hand, they were made from 2x4 and 2x6 scraps. The combined weight of the set must have easily been over 100 pounds. You had to be careful when playing, because when the 6 foot tower fell over, your toes could receive quite the consequence for losing. Not only was the game a rough one, but the blocks themselves were rough. After the tower would fall, a splinter would inevitably find its way into my skin as the tower was rebuilt. Our lives are very similar to the game of Jenga. Through growth, learning, and work, our lives are being built up like a tower, often reaching new heights. But because sin is a part of our world and our lives, the tower can come crashing down in an instant. The lives we build in this fallen creation are unbalanced and teetering, susceptible to the changing winds. Yet while we may get knocked down, we know we are to rebuild. But even then, our best efforts leave us with splinters in our hands. The enemy wants nothing more than this constant building and crashing and rebuilding of our lives to lead to madness. The loving Creator of the universe wants to replace the madness with hope, joy, and peace. The awareness and acknowledgment of the madness of our lives is the very thing that can lead us to peace in Jesus Christ. He is the solution, but first we must admit the problem. Our lives can’t be perfect and never will be, apart from the saving grace of Jesus Christ. If we attempt to live a perfect life, or pretend to live a perfect life, while behind the scenes life is crashing down around us, we will experience more pain than simple slivers in our hands. It is a common thought among children that they are perfect, and a common claim by parents that their children are perfect. Those thoughts and claims are not only woefully inaccurate, but increasingly dangerous. Without awareness of their significant depravity, children will see no need for a Savior. Before we can help train “good kids”, we must succeed in helping them recognize their “badness”. Children who constantly believe they are intrinsically good all the time will be confused by the gospel message. But when they are genuinely poor in spirit and sorrowful over sin, they truly become citizens in the Kingdom of Heaven receiving constant comfort in the midst of life’s trials. Then the tower God builds in our children’s lives may be full of holes, but can withstand the storms of life. – Adam Kronberger / Superintendent by Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal
One outstanding trait defining the Crosshill community is our commitment to prayer. We partner in earnestly praying for hearts to be transformed, lives to change, for the power of the Holy Spirit to be released, and for God to be glorified in the process. In His infinite love and wisdom God begins to answer our collective prayer, and as His plan unfolds, we unravel a bit. Sometimes, instead of our prayers being answered with the expected fruit of the spirit harvest, we are faced with serious challenges. A student is caught lying, cheating, or being disrespectful. Perhaps it has been revealed that they are failing academically, struggling socially, or backsliding spiritually. When these situations arise it’s easy to fall into the enemy’s deception that somehow our parenting is damaging them, the school is failing them, their friends are corrupting them, and God is abandoning them. It is time to take a deep breath, and turn to the guidance and perspective of God’s Word. I love how the Bible is brutally honest about the failures and weaknesses of it's greatest heroes. God doesn’t hold back if they lied, committed adultery, were callous or criminal. Even King David, a “man after God’s own heart”, wasn’t spared. Although he was anointed and chosen to lead God’s people, his human weakness, poor choices, and the moments he lacked character were in the spotlight for his benefit and ours. Along the journey from pasture to palace our Heavenly Father was at work, building godly character into David’s life. God knew that David couldn’t become a giant-slayer or Israel’s greatest king without going through trials and tribulations in his everyday life. In the process, whether facing tragedy or triumph, David’s response to God was the same; He sought God and praised Him with all of his heart. God is preparing our children for their calling, and a great deal of what they need to learn is tucked away in each problem, challenge, temptation, and persecution. He is looking to upgrade their level of faith, trust, and reliance on Him. As God is ever so efficient, we are also being tempted and challenged in the way we choose to handle these discipleship opportunities. Will we hijack the Lordship of Jesus by removing our children from a situation, avoiding, escaping, and bypassing a divine lesson because of our desire to protect them from discouragement, and pain? Or will we align our perspective to God’s, by encouraging and equipping them to face each situation with prayer, thanksgiving, and a determination to persevere? The greatest victories are achieved through the toughest battles, and God is in every detail. – Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal by Adam Kronberger / Superintendent
It was my freshman year at Oregon State University and I was away from home for the first time. Practically every day I was learning more about who I really was on the inside, and making decisions about who I would become. I was invited to join a large group of young Christian men for an impromptu Christian retreat at the beach. Some Christian leader in the Corvallis area had thought it a good idea to allow a bunch of young men to enjoy peaceful meditation at his second home. While there was worship and prayer, there was also a lot of crazy and immature activities. One evening I was in an intense ping pong battle with a fellow roommate. We were in cramped quarters down in the basement. At one point, a lack of coordination and a oversupply of energy directed the heel of my lace-up boots right through the drywall. I stood stunned for a moment, but soon realized I had won the previous point and jumped back into action. With almost practiced skill I was able to ignore and even forget about the damage I caused. The rest of the retreat completed with no further disaster. As we were packing up and heading to our vehicles, I noticed a couple of older college leaders who had arranged the retreat staying behind. Later I learned they took that final afternoon to purchase materials and repair the damaged drywall. They wanted to maintain a healthy friendship with the Corvallis benefactor and leave the place better than we had found it. The next few weeks were a pivotal time in my life. That particular incident (I still remember it) and others revealed a lack of character in myself that I was not proud of. I was ultimately driven by selfishness. I did not like the person I had become and was determined to change. I was someone who did not take responsibility for his actions or consider others more important than himself. I began to observe others around me who had the character I desperately wanted and began to practice their habits. I began to dig into God’s word and truly understand the practical attributes that a Godly person of character not only demonstrates but authentically possesses. So often, character and virtue do not blossom without training. Spiritual formation in young people is the result of an investment by others to expose lack of character and then teach Godly character. On the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus presents the Beatitudes (Matthew 5) to describe a heart that is soft and eager enough to become a person of virtue. At the top of the list is having an attitude of being poor in spirit and someone who is mournful over that condition. A turning point in my life was when I developed the awareness that the Fall in the garden impacted me personally. Without Christ, I was a fallen person. But to truly change, I had to want to change. I needed to have sorrow over my condition, and then true spiritual transformation could begin in my life. This community exists to train young people to develop a heart that possesses and practice Godly character. If you are up for a game a ping pong, give me a call. I promise I will repair any damage I cause. – Adam Kronberger / Superintendent by Adam Kronberger / Superintendent
Earlier this month over 150 CCS students and staff spent a collection of days off-campus at the annual Middle School and High School retreats. I recall spending one evening in worship and prayer as a united student body experiencing community together with our awesome God. The night included games, food, a bonfire, and plenty of laughs and joy. Halfway through the evening, I stepped out of the chapel onto the wooded 160 acre campus. A herd of deer casually trotted across my field of vision. The entire experience that day was simply magical. But a few hours later, as the breakfast bell rung, my next morning was greeted with sore muscles, an aching back, and sleep deprived eyes. My magical evening had suddenly fallen out of the sky and landed back in reality. By the look of the slow-moving boys in my cabin, I was not the only camper feeling like an old man. While the bacon, sausage, and fresh maple bar did little for my newfound sinus infection, the warm breakfast certainly lifted my spirits. Before long, the joy of retreat found its way back into my heart, while at the same time the longing for my bed at home grew stronger. God chose to clothe our spirits with physical bodies and a range of emotions. Our bodies and our emotions are generally on the front lines as we engage with our surroundings. The senses of our body help explain our environment, while our emotions are indicators of how that environment is impacting our spirit. Collapsing at the end of a marathon, soberly attending a friend’s funeral, or cheering for your favorite Civil War football team are all emotional and physical experiences known to us. As believers, it is often our emotions that can drive our relationship with God, as we desire to feel his presences. The apostle Paul understood that our bodies and emotions experience a wild roller coaster ride throughout one’s life. Yet faith in Jesus Christ provides lasting transformation in all areas of our lives, not only smoothing out the ride, but providing purpose and calling. Paul doesn’t describe the path of transformation as a result of physical effort, somber reflection, or unrestrained elation. In Romans 12:2, Paul notes that transformation is a result of “the renewal of your mind.” I am thankful for a physical body full of emotional wonder and it’s God-given place in our lives. But at the top of my list of priorities in my life and the lives around me is transformation built upon faith in Jesus Christ. The school’s secondary retreats certainly succeed in developing unity among the student body and a better understanding of the purpose of the school’s mission. But it is the renewing of the mind that takes place in the classrooms and conversations in our community that provides lasting transformation. Minds that fully grasp the majesty of our Creator, the depravity of the Fall of man, and the power of Redemption in Jesus Christ, have the ability to transform a person, a community, and a culture. Continue to pray daily for our staff, students, and families as our minds are renewed on the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. – Adam Kronberger / Superintendent by Adam Kronberger / Superintendent
The beginning of a new school year often brings the beginning of new routines. One of the best routines is choosing to be a part of daily conversations with your children. It’s one of the best ways to cultivate trust and be used by God to disciple our children. As parents, we often know what is best for our kids, therefore the temptation is to talk at them instead of listening to them. One of the best tools for increasing the effectiveness of your conversations is active listening. Our ability to actively listen to our children may be the biggest influence on our relationship with them. It will build trust, foster an environment of honesty, and build empathy with their situation, emotions, and feelings. Here are some tips on how to be an active listener: 1. Give them your full attention: Silence your smartphone, stop looking at your computer, and try to focus on what they are saying, instead of what you want to say next. 2. Choose your body language intentionally: 93% of communication is nonverbal. Lean forward slightly, do not cross your arms, make eye contact with them, nod, remove physical barriers between the two of you, and make facial expressions that reflect the emotions of what they are sharing. 3. Do not immediately judge or evaluate: Lecturing can often prematurely end a conversation. Attempting to understand what they are saying is not the same as agreeing. Your willingness to suspend your judgment will allow the conversation to continue. Do your best to take a deep breath and remain calm. You want your child to see you as safe. An extreme reaction will communicate the opposite. 4. Cultivate Awareness: It might feel like just an ordinary conversation about recess or the soccer game, but if you model listening to the mundane well, your child will be more prone to come to you about deeper topics. 5. Paraphrase back what you heard: Choose non-judgmental language to reassure them you heard exactly what they were trying to communicate, such as, “So what I hear you saying is that you feel frustrated about our boundaries with smartphones,” as opposed to, “So what I hear you saying is that you want no accountability with your smartphone.” 6. Ask open-ended questions: Instead of asking closed-ended questions that require a mere yes-or-no answer, ask questions that demand a meaningful answer like, “What was the best part of your day?” or “How did you feel when she said that about your hair?” 7. Define Expectations: Try to avoid immediately reassuring, explaining, suggesting, or sharing about your own experiences. Communicate respect by asking something like, “Would it be most helpful for me to just listen right now, or are you looking for help or advice?” *Adapted from AXIS, a discipleship resource for parents. – Adam Kronberger / Superintendent |
Adam Kronberger
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